Video: Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Focus on the Family
By Dan Gilgoff, God & Country
Focus on the Family, whose founder James Dobson resigned as board chairman last week, has developed a reputation as the Christian right's most powerful political organization. But the paradox about Focus is that it's predominantly apolitical, aimed at helping parents raise kids and thrive in marriage. It's what makes Focus's political advocacy—conducted mostly by sister group Focus on the Family Action—so effective. Dobson has parlayed the clout built up by dispensing family advice to loyal radio listeners into political causes like battling abortion rights and gay marriage. For a better idea of how this works, watch this video tour of Focus, narrated by yours truly:
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Tags: religion | James Dobson
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Deborah Solomon with thoughts regarding Focus on the Family and the Dobson's
If you have ever read or heard Shirley Dobson's testimony about her life it is very inspirational. If I remember correctly, I believe she was raised in what she referred to as "the wrong side of the tracks." Her biological father was an alcoholic and the family endured much embarrassment and problems on his behalf. However, my understanding is her life changed when her mother later remarried a man that helped bring stability into their lives. I also understand that a Sunday School teacher that picked Shirley up for church through many of her developmental years had a great deal of influence in her life. Her life is a tribute that no matter what obstacles a person may face God can turn around and direct a person's life to encourage many others to also overcome difficult circumstances.
I have had an enormous amount of respect for the Dobson's that they have lived faithful lives of integrity throughout the years, and they have tried to be consistant in their beliefs. They have given much of their lives for causes they believed in and for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I personally hope that Focus on the Family will realize at this time of determining new direction that there are multiplied millions of people like myself that are very concerned about the moral direction of this nation and are also working hard to make ends meet and help their children get a proper education or vocational training, as working and middle class families. I have also discussed for many years that there are people of all kind of backgrounds and races that are mutually concerned about the prisons being filled in every state in this nation. Politics as usual as they have been in the past have not brought about the desire RESULTS. There is an important word. I certainly do not question the motives of Focus on the Family as well as many other organizations that have been working very hard and strive to be above board with their finances and lives. I simply think we all need to take time to reassess and consider the big picture and help "Turn the Tide" for the next generation!
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